This review explores the integration of essential oils (EOs) into hydrogels for various applications, including biomedical, dental, cosmetic, food, and cultural heritage preservation. Hydrogels, which are 3D cross-linked networks of hydrophilic polymers, offer advantages such as biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and controlled release of active substances. EOs, derived from aromatic plants, have high bioactivity due to their volatile and non-volatile components, including terpenoids, terpenes, and phenylpropanoids. However, their volatility, solubility, and stability pose challenges for direct application, necessitating encapsulation in hydrogels for sustained release and enhanced efficacy. Hydrogels can be prepared through physical, chemical, or radiation cross-linking methods, each with distinct properties. Natural and synthetic polymers, such as sodium alginate, chitosan, and polyvinyl alcohol, are commonly used in hydrogel formulations. EOs are extracted using various methods, including steam distillation, solvent extraction, and supercritical CO₂ extraction, with the latter offering advantages like low cost and non-corrosive nature. Encapsulation techniques, such as ionic gelation, electrostatic extrusion, and mechanical methods, are employed to stabilize EOs within hydrogels, enhancing their bioactivity and stability. Applications of EO-embedded hydrogels include wound healing, antimicrobial treatments, and drug delivery. For instance, hydrogels containing thyme EO have shown antibacterial properties for wound healing, while those with clove EO exhibit antifungal and antimicrobial effects. In dentistry, EOs are used for oral hygiene and caries prevention, leveraging their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In cosmetics, EOs enhance skin permeability and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Food applications include preserving food quality and extending shelf life through EO-encapsulated coatings. The review highlights the potential of EO-embedded hydrogels in various fields, emphasizing their biocompatibility, controlled release, and multifunctional properties. Challenges such as EO volatility and environmental factors are addressed through encapsulation strategies, ensuring their stability and efficacy in diverse applications. Overall, the integration of EOs into hydrogels represents a promising approach for developing advanced materials with broad therapeutic and practical applications.This review explores the integration of essential oils (EOs) into hydrogels for various applications, including biomedical, dental, cosmetic, food, and cultural heritage preservation. Hydrogels, which are 3D cross-linked networks of hydrophilic polymers, offer advantages such as biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and controlled release of active substances. EOs, derived from aromatic plants, have high bioactivity due to their volatile and non-volatile components, including terpenoids, terpenes, and phenylpropanoids. However, their volatility, solubility, and stability pose challenges for direct application, necessitating encapsulation in hydrogels for sustained release and enhanced efficacy. Hydrogels can be prepared through physical, chemical, or radiation cross-linking methods, each with distinct properties. Natural and synthetic polymers, such as sodium alginate, chitosan, and polyvinyl alcohol, are commonly used in hydrogel formulations. EOs are extracted using various methods, including steam distillation, solvent extraction, and supercritical CO₂ extraction, with the latter offering advantages like low cost and non-corrosive nature. Encapsulation techniques, such as ionic gelation, electrostatic extrusion, and mechanical methods, are employed to stabilize EOs within hydrogels, enhancing their bioactivity and stability. Applications of EO-embedded hydrogels include wound healing, antimicrobial treatments, and drug delivery. For instance, hydrogels containing thyme EO have shown antibacterial properties for wound healing, while those with clove EO exhibit antifungal and antimicrobial effects. In dentistry, EOs are used for oral hygiene and caries prevention, leveraging their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In cosmetics, EOs enhance skin permeability and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Food applications include preserving food quality and extending shelf life through EO-encapsulated coatings. The review highlights the potential of EO-embedded hydrogels in various fields, emphasizing their biocompatibility, controlled release, and multifunctional properties. Challenges such as EO volatility and environmental factors are addressed through encapsulation strategies, ensuring their stability and efficacy in diverse applications. Overall, the integration of EOs into hydrogels represents a promising approach for developing advanced materials with broad therapeutic and practical applications.